In collaboration with the Onizuka Memorial Committee, hundreds of volunteers, exhibitors and presenters, UHH hosted the 8th annual Ellison Onizuka Science Day.

Celebrating the life and achievements of Astronuat Ellison Onizuka, who perished during the Challenger tragedy, this day is inspired by Ellison’s committment to the students of Hawaii and his passion for science and math.

Astronaut Daniel Tani offered a view from above as he shared photos and DVDs from his recent 18 months aboard the ISS (International Space Station).

Exhibits from the CSAV and marine science, together with workshops and displays from ‘Imiloa, IFA, USGS, NOAA, and the telescope community, added to the excitement of the day, but we are hoping for increased participation from the faculty as we make plans for the 10th Annual Ellison Onizuka Science Day. Please do join us!

As Chancellor Tseng watched over 600 students enraptured by science wizard, Dale Olive, she remarked on what an outstanding opportunity this day is for UHH. “It’s a time to capture the interest of these potential students and to let them know about our cutting edge science programs.” So, with that thought in mind, please do let us know if you’re interested in participating as a presenter or if you’d like to offer a hands-on workshop for students. For information, contact, Judith Fox-Goldstein at foxgolds@hawaii.edu, or call 974-7555.

This year’s Onizuka Science Day kicked off in the UHH Theatre. With the booming soundtrack of Star Trek, Final Frontier, heavy smoke, and a dazzling light effect, the Klingon Kurn, Captain of the Imperial Klingon Vessel HecK Tar, Klingon Defense Force, saluted the participants of the 8th annual event.

Chancellor Rose Tseng managed to attend despite a hectic schedule, and prior engagements at Hogwarts University.

Approximately 570 students in grades 4-12, and their parents registered to participate in the opening ceremonies featuring keynote speaker, Astronaut Barbara Morgan, who spent over 12 days in outer space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor, and the International Space Station.

Morgan was selected as the backup candidate for the NASA Teacher in Space Program on July 19, 1985. From September 1985 to January 1986, Morgan trained with Christa McAuliffe and the Challenger crew at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. Following the Challenger accident, Morgan assumed the duties of Teacher in Space Designee. http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/morgan.html

Barbara’s presentation set the stage for a day of over 21 engaging, interactive workshops with titles from “Wooly Magma Felted Earth” to “Food Safety: Growing your own Non-Circulating Hydroponic Lettuce.”

Mahalo to all of the organizers and volunteers who dedicated their resources to putting on another incredible event for the youth of the Big Island!

View the event site here: http://www.spacegrant.hawaii.edu/OnizukaDay/

Japan-U.S. Science, Technology & Space Applications Program (JUSTSAP)
17th Annual Symposium

November 11-15, 2007
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort
Kohala Coast, Big Island of Hawai`i

Themed “Expanding International Collaboration for Space Exploration”, 2007′s symposium focused on formulating public-private partnerships to catalyze the development and implementation of innovative projects that will support future space exploration and earth observation missions. Five main areas are targeted for discussion, including (1) PISCES, (2) commercial opportunities for the International Space Station (ISS), (3) the development of space-based (solar) power systems, and (4) the design and promotion of advanced satellites for communications and earth observation (to monitor global climate change) and (5) robotic precursor missions to our moon and Mars.

Click here for the Agenda

Click here for the symposium website in PDF

Click here for a slideshow of the JUSTSAP 2007 Symposium